Cordless Telephones

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How Cordless Telephones Work

by Craig C. Freudenrich, Ph.D.
Cordless telephones are one of those minor miracles of modern life --

with a cordless phone, you can talk on the phone while moving freely
about your house or in your yard. Long before cell phones became so
cheap that anyone could afford one, cordless phones gave everyone
cell phone freedom within the privacy of their own homes. With some
features, you can now have three-way conversations, page someone
within your house or work with your hands while you talk on the phone.
Cordless phones have many of the same features as standard

telephones and there are many models available. In this edition of How
Stuff Works, we will examine how these cordless telephones work and
why there are so many different types on the market today!
To access all of the different parts of this article, choose from the map below:
You may want to start with "How They Work" to learn the basics about cordless phones. If you
are thinking about buying one, be sure to look at the Features section to learn about all of the
features you should keep in mind to buy the right cordless phone for you.
The Basics
A cordless telephone is basically a combination telephone and radio transmitter/receiver (see
How Telephones Work and How Radio Works for details on these two technologies). A
cordless phone has two major parts: base and handset.
? The base is attached to the phone jack through a standard phone wire connection, and
as far as the phone system is concerned it looks just like a normal phone. The base
receives the incoming call (as an electrical signal) through the phone line, converts it to
an FM radio signal and then broadcasts that signal.
? The handset receives the radio signal from the base, converts it to an electrical signal
and sends that signal to the speaker, where it is converted into the sound you hear.
When you talk, the handset broadcasts your voice through a second FM radio signal
back to the base. The base receives your voice signal, converts it to an electrical signal
and sends that signal through the phone line to the other party.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/cordless-telephone.htm/printable 5/6/2002
The base and handset operate on a frequency pair that allows you to talk and listen at the
same time, called duplex frequency.
Diagram showing how the base unit and handset of the cordless
phone talk to each other. Each color represents a different
frequency.
To learn more about how cordless phones work click here, or choose from the map below:
A Brief History of Cordless Telephones

Cordless phones first appeared around 1980. The earliest cordless phones operated at a
frequency of 27 MHz. They had the following problems:
? limited range
? poor sound quality - noisy and ridden with static because walls and appliances
interfered with the signals
? poor security - people could easily intercept signals from another cordless phone
because of the limited number of channels
In 1986, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted the frequency range of 47-
49 MHz for cordless phones, which improved their interference problem and reduced the
power needed to run them. However, the phones still had a limited range and poor sound
quality.
Because the 43-50 MHz cordless phone frequency was becoming increasingly crowded, the
FCC granted the frequency range of 900 MHz in 1990. This higher frequency allowed
cordless phones to be clearer, broadcast a longer distance and choose from more channels.
However, cordless phones were still quite expensive, about $400.
In 1994, digital cordless phones in the 900 MHz frequency range were introduced. Digital
signals allowed the phones to be more secure and decreased eavesdropping -- it was pretty
easy to eavesdrop on analog cordless phone conversations. In 1995, digital spread spectrum
(DSS) was introduced for cordless phones. This technology enabled the digital information to
spread in pieces over several frequencies between the receiver and the base, thereby making
it almost impossible to eavesdrop on the cordless conversations.
In 1998, the FCC opened up the 2.4 GHz range for cordless phone use. This frequency has
increased the distance over which a cordless phone can operate, and brought it out of the
frequency range of most radio scanners, thereby further increasing security.
Anatomy of a Cordless Telephone

To illustrate the parts of a cordless telephone, we will show you the inside of this one from
General Electric (GE). It was made in 1993 and operated in the 43-50 MHz range.
GE cordless phone, including handset and base unit
As mentioned above, all cordless phones have a base and a handset. Let's look at these
parts individually.
To examine the parts of a cordless phone click here, or choose from the map below:
Base
The base unit of the cordless phone is plugged into the telephone jack on your wall.
Base unit components
If you open up the base and expose the circuit board, you see several components that carry
out the functions of the base:
? phone line interface - receives and sends telephone signals through the phone line
? radio
? amplifies signals to and from phone-line interface, user controls and speaker
phone (if present)

? broadcasts and receives radio signals to and from the handset
? power - supplies low voltage power to the circuits and recharges the battery of the
handset
Circuit board in the base of the GE cordless phone
Phone Line Interface

Phone line interface components do two things. First, they send the ringer signal to the bell (if
it's on the base) or to the radio components for broadcast to the handset. This lets you know
that you have an incoming call. Second, they receive and send small changes in the phone
line's electrical current to and from the radio components of the base. When you talk, you
cause small changes in the electrical current of the phone line, and these changes get sent to
your caller. The same happens when the caller talks to you.
Radio Components
The radio components receive the electrical signals from the phone line interface and user
controls (keypads, buttons). The radio components convert the signals to radio waves and
broadcast them via the antenna. Radio components use quartz crystals to set the radio
frequencies for sending and receiving. There are two quartz crystals, one for sending signals
and one for receiving signals. Remember that the base and handset operate on a frequency
pair that allows you to talk and listen at the same time (duplex). The radio components include
an audio amplifier that increases the strength of the incoming electrical signals.
Power Components
A DC power cube transformer supplies the low voltage required by the electrical components
on the circuit board. The power components on the circuit board work with the power cube to
supply electrical current to re-charge the battery of the handset.
In addition to the above components, some bases also have audio amplifiers to drive
speakers for speaker phone features, keypads for dialing, liquid crystal displays (LCD) for
caller ID, light-emitting diodes (LED) for power/charging indicators, and solid state memory for
answering machine or call-back features.
Handset
You can carry the handset with you throughout the house or outside within the
range of the base transmitter. The handset has all of the equipment of a standard
telephone (speaker, microphone, dialing keypad), plus the equipment of an FM
radio transmitter/receiver.
Block diagram of handset components
When you open up the handset, you see these components:
? speaker - converts electrical signals into the sound that you hear
? microphone - picks up your voice and changes it to electrical signals
? keypad - input for dialing
? buzzer or ringer - lets you know that you have an incoming call
? radio components
? amplify electrical signals to and from microphone and speakers
? send and receive FM radio frequencies
? LCD or LED displays - indicator lights

? re-chargeable battery - supplies electrical power to handset
Parts of the GE cordless phone's handset, showing the fronts
of the circuit boards
Parts of the GE cordless phone's handset, showing the backs of

the circuit boards, the speaker, microphone, ringer and battery
To learn more about handsets click here, or choose from the map below:
Handset Components
Speaker
The speaker receives the electrical signals from the audio amplifier in the radio components
and converts them into sound. When you remove the cover from the speaker, you see a large
round permanent magnet with a hole in the middle and a deep groove surrounding the hole.
Within this deep groove is a coil of fine copper wire that is attached to a thin plastic
membrane. The plastic membrane covers the magnet and coil.
Close -up view of the speaker in the GE cordless telephone

handset
Close-up of the speaker with the top removed
Close-up of the speaker with the plastic membrane and

attached coil lifted out. The large metal disc is the magnet.
Close-up of the speaker's plastic membrane with attached
wire coil
To hear sounds, the following events happen:
1. Electrical signals come from the radio components.

2. The electrical signals travel in the coil of copper wire.
3. The electrical signals induce magnetic currents in the coil of wire, thereby making it an
electromagnet.
4. The electromagnetic coil moves in and out of the groove within the permanent magnet.
5. The coil moves the attached plastic membrane in and out at the same frequencies as
the changes in electric currents.
6. The movements of the membrane move air at the same frequencies, thereby creating
sound waves that you can hear.
Microphone
The microphone changes the sound waves from your voice into electrical signals that are sent
to the audio amplifier of the radio components. A microphone is essentially a speaker that
works in reverse. When sound waves from your voice move the membrane, they make tiny
electric currents either by moving a coil of wire within a magnet or by compressing the
membrane against carbon dust (see question 309 for details).
Close-up of handset's keypad circuit board with attached

microphone and buzzer
Keypad
The keypad allows you to dial a number. It transfers the pressure from your fingertip on the
appropriate key into an electrical signal that it sends to the radio components. Below the
rubber keypad is a circuit board with black conductive material under each button (shown
above). The keypad works like a remote control. When you press a button, it makes a contact
with the black material and changes its electrical conductance. The conductance sends an
electrical signal to the radio components indicating that you have selected that number.
Buzzer or Ringer
When the radio components of the handset receive the ringer signal from the base, they send
electrical signals to the buzzer. The buzzer changes those electrical signals into sound much
like the speaker does. You hear the buzzer sound and know that someone is calling you. In
some phones, the speaker is used to make the ringer sound and there is no need for a
separate ringer.
Radio Components
The radio components of the handset are like those of the base --
they convert electrical signals from the microphone into FM radio Duplex Example
signals and broadcast them at the same frequency as the receiving
crystal of the base unit. The radio components also receive radio Base:
signals at the same frequency as the broadcasting crystal from the
? 44.32 MHz
base, convert them to electrical signals and send them to the
speaker and/or buzzer (ringer). transmitter
? 49.28 MHz receiver
Remember that the base and handset operate on a duplex

frequency pair that allows you to talk and listen at the same time. Handset:
? 49.28 MHz
LCD or LED Displays transmitter
Most handsets have one or more light -emitting diodes (LED) that ? 44.32 MHz receiver
indicate various things, such as when the phone has an open line or
when the battery is low.
LED indicator light on the handset of the GE cordless phone
Some handsets have an LCD that can display numbers for caller ID features, similar to a cell
phone. The LCD may be reflective or backlit so that you can see it when the room light is low.
Battery
The handset's battery supplies the power for all of the electrical components in the handset.
All cordless phone handsets have a rechargeable battery (nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal
hydride or lithium). When the battery runs low, an indicator light on the handset usually lights
up or flashes. In some phones, a "beeping" sound may also indicate a low battery. You then
recharge the battery on the base of the cordless phone.
The GE cordless phone that we dissected was from 1993. Modern cordless phones have the
same functions and much of the same hardware. However, many of the electronic circuits that
were once achieved with transistors, resistors and capacitors have been replaced with
integrated circuits. This advancement allows the handset to be either smaller with the same
functions or the same size with more functions.
In summary, a cordless phone is basically a combination of a telephone and an FM radio

transmitter/receiver. Because it is a radio transmitter, it broadcasts signals over the open
airways rather than specifically between the base and handset.
Many cordless phone conversations can be easily picked up

by radio scanners.
Because of this open broadcast, It is possible for other people to listen to your phone
conversation by using a radio scanner. So an important issue and feature to look for in a
cordless phone is security -- DSS offers the best protection against eavesdropping.
To go on to the "Features" section click here, or choose from the map below:
Features
Cordless phones have many of the same features as standard
telephones, and there are many models, offering lots of different
features. In this section of How Cordless Phones Work, we will
examine the various features on these portable telephones.
When you think about cordless phone features, consider the following
categories:
? major features of the phone - range, sound quality, security
? convenience features of the phone - ease of use

? options in combination with the phone service - making the
most of your phone
To learn about features click here, or choose from the map below:
Major Features
Remember that a cordless telephone is a combination of a telephone
and a radio transmitter/receiver (see How a Cordless Telephone
Works for details). Because it is a radio transmitter/receiver, you have
the following issues that you do not have on a standard cord phone:
? range
? sound quality
? security
The range is the distance that the handset can be from the base. The sound quality can be
affected by the distance, the way the information in the radio signal is transmitted, and
interfering structures such as walls and appliances. Security is an issue because the radio
signals from both handset and receiver go over the open airways, where they can be picked
up by other devices (other cordless phones, baby monitors, radio scanners).
The above issues relate to the following features of your cordless phone:
? radio frequency
? analog vs. digital technology
? number of channels
Frequency
Because your cordless phone is a radio transmitter/receiver, it operates on various radio
frequencies, which are set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as with any
other radio . Cordless phones operate over three major frequency bands (base and receiver
use two closely related but separate frequencies within the band so that you can talk and
listen at the same time):
? 43-50 MHz
? 900 MHz
? 2.4 GHz
The 43-50 MHz band was common to early cordless telephones and is still available in low-
cost models. Because of the low frequency, these phones have short ranges (about 1,000 ft /
330 m) and poorer sound quality (due to interference from structures and appliances). The
43-50 MHz phone signals can also be picked up easily on radio scanners and nearby baby
monitors.
The 900 MHz band (actually 900-928 MHz) is the most common frequency for cordless
phones today. The higher frequency gives it a greater range (5,000 to 7,000 ft / 1,500 to 2,100
m) and better sound quality. However, 900 MHz signals can be picked up easily by most
commercially available radio scanners.
In 1998, the FCC opened up the 2.4 GHz range for cordless phone use. A 2.4 GHz cordless
phone can operate over a greater distance and is above the frequencies that can be picked
up by most commercially available radio scanners; therefore, it is more secure than lower
frequency models. A 2.4 GHz cordless phone will be more expensive than a lower frequency
phone.
Analog vs. Digital

Analog technology is common in cordless telephones, especially in inexpensive models.
Analog signals tend to be more noisy, or prone to interference with respect to sound quality.
In addition, analog signals are easily picked up and interpreted by radio scanners.
In contrast, digital technology, like that found in a CD, allows the phone signals to sound
clearer. Furthermore, digital signals are more secure. In 1995, digital spread spectrum (DSS)
was introduced for cordless phones. DSS spread the digital information in pieces over several
frequencies between the receiver and the base, thereby making it almost impossible to
eavesdrop on cordless phone conversations.
Channels
Each frequency band (43 -50 MHz, 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz) can be subdivided into different
increments or channels. For example, on some models, when you're talking on your 900 MHz
phone, the base searches for a pair of frequencies (channels) within that range, that is not
already in use, in order to talk to the handset. So, if the base is capable of searching more
increments, it can more easily find a frequency pair that is clear from interference, providing
better sound quality. The number of cordless phone channels can vary as follows:
? 10 to 25 channels - 43-50 MHz phones, some inexpensive 900 MHz phones

? 20 to 60 channels - most 900 MHz phones
? 50 to 100 channels - high-end 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz phones
To learn about convenience features click here, or choose from the map below:
Convenience Features
Convenience features make the cordless phone easier to use or more versatile; some of
these features are identical to those in standard cord phones. Convenience features include
the following:
? speaker phones
? pager/handset locator
? indicators
? low battery
? out of range
? redial
? one-touch dialing/programmable
? volume control
? mute/hold
? ringer in base
? keypad on base
? battery
? extra battery charger
? hands-free headset
? wall mount
Speaker Phones
Speaker phones can be on the base and/or handset. Speaker phones have a microphone that
can pick up the sounds around them and a speaker to broadcast incoming sounds. With a
speaker phone, more than one person can talk and listen to the call at the same time. You
can use a speaker phone for conferences or family conversations.
Pager/Handset Locator
With this feature, a button can be pressed on either the handset or the base to find whichever
part you're missing. The button sends a radio signal to the other unit, and when the other unit
receives the radio signal it sets off a beeper. This feature is most helpful in locating the
handset. For example, my 19 month old son frequently runs off with our cordless handset and
hides it somewhere. This feature makes it easy to find the handset. In addition, this feature
can be used to page someone, or as an intercom. When I am upstairs and my wife is
downstairs, we can use this feature to ask each other questions over the phone without
having to yell up or down the staircase, because my base unit has a speaker phone.
Indicators
Indicators on the handset can be combinations of beeping sounds, LCD messages and
flashing LED lights that tell you when your battery is low and needs to be recharged or when
you are getting out of range of the phone's base unit. On the base unit, the indicators can tell
you when the handset is done charging or off the hook.
Redial
With this feature, the handset or base unit has a memory chip that can store the last number
called by the phone. To redial the number, you just touch the button on the handset and/or
base and it dials that number through the phone line.
One-Touch Dialing/Programmable
Like with the redial feature, the handset or base unit has a memory chip that is capable of
storing several numbers, usually 13 to 18. Each number can be activated at the touch of a
key. This feature is convenient when you cannot remember a number, are outside or away
from a phone book or need to dial an emergency number in a hurry.
Volume Control
This feature adjusts the sensitivity of the speaker, ringer and/or microphone so that you can
hear and be heard by the caller. It is especially useful for conference calls on speaker phones.
Mute/Hold
With this feature, a switch temporarily disconnects the microphone of the handset and/or base
unit. You can talk to someone else nearby without your caller hearing your conversation.
Ringer in Base
With this feature, you can tell when you have an incoming call even if the handset is not
nearby.
Keypad in Base
This feature allows you to dial from the base to make a call even if you do not have the
handset nearby. It is almost always found in combination with a speaker phone on the base.
This feature keeps the phone usable when you have temporarily lost the handset (or your
child has hidden it somewhere).
Photo of a cordless phone base unit with keypad and speaker

phone
Battery
The handset's battery supplies the power for all of the electrical components in the handset.
hydride or lithium). When the battery runs low, an indicator light on the handset usually lights
up or flashes. In some phones, a "beeping " sound may also indicate a low battery. You then
recharge the battery on the base of the cordless phone. Nickel-cadmium batteries are subject
to a memory effect , so it is best to let them drain entirely before recharging them on the base;
nickel-metal hydride and lithium batteries have no memory effect.
Extra Battery Charger

Some cordless phone base units come with a charger port for an extra battery. This allows
one battery to be charged while the other is in use in the handset. When the battery in the
handset dies, you swap it with the fresh battery from the base and recharge the dead battery.
This feature allows the handset to be away from the base unit pretty much all of the time, and
means that your handset won't be out of commission while you recharge a battery.
Hands-Free Headset
Some cordless phones come with a headset that plugs into a jack on the handset, and the
handset is usually clipped to a belt. The headset has a microphone and speaker that receive
input and output from the radio components of the handset. With this feature, you can talk on
the cordless phone without holding it. Your hands are free to do anything else while talking on
the phone, such as type on your computer, do dishes, work in the garden or play with your
children.
Wall Mount
The base units of many cordless phones can be mounted on a wall so that they do not take
up desk, table or counter space. This feature also has the advantage of keeping your base
unit out of reach of small children. For example, my son can reach the base unit of my
cordless phone, and his favorite activity is dialing numbers when we are not looking.
To learn more about additional options click here, or choose from the map below:
Options
These optional features are usually available on the cordless phone, but, for the most part,
they need to match your telephone service. Such options include the following:
? answering machine
? caller ID
? call-waiting
? two-line service
Answering Machine
This is the one optional feature that does not require a change in your phone service. Many
cordless phones have an answering machine in the base unit. Modern answering machines
are foregoing the traditional microcassette tapes in favor of solid-state memory. With solid-
state memory, there are no moving parts and they can store 15 to 30 minutes worth of
messages. Some machines also allow you to access your messages remotely with the
handset or another phone.
Caller ID
This feature allows you to know who is calling you before you answer the phone. The number
is displayed on the LCD of the handset and/or base unit. You must have the caller ID feature
provided by your telephone company for this feature to work on your cordless phone. There is
usually an extra charge for this service on your monthly phone bill.
Call-Waiting
If you are talking to one person and someone else calls you, call-waiting allows you to put the
first person on hold and respond to the second caller or vice versa. Some newer cordless
phones allow you to do this, but you must have the call-waiting service provided by your
telephone company. Again, there is an extra charge on your monthly phone bill for this
service.
Two-Line Service
This feature allows two phone lines to come into the same cordless phone. Some of these
phones have two different handsets, while others use one handset to change between phone
lines. This feature has the advantage of using one phone for two lines (personal line and
business line, for instance) rather than having two different phones. Like the other optional
features, you must have two phone lines installed in your house by your telephone service
provider for this option to work.
Price
Cordless telephones come in many models with many features. Generally, higher frequency
phones will be more expensive than lower frequency phones. Similarly, digital phones will be
more expensive than analog phones. Also, the more features on your phone, the more
expensive it will be. Here are some example ranges for you:
? You can purchase low-end (43-50 MHz analog) models for as little as $25.
? 900 MHz cordless phones can cost between $50 and $150 depending upon the
features.
? 2.4 GHz can cost between $150 and $250 depending upon the features.
? Multi-line cordless phones will cost from $200 to $500 depending upon features and
number of handsets. Phones with more than two handsets and two lines tend to be used
by businesses rather than private homes.
Remember that these price ranges will change as technology improves.
In summary, consider the following aspects when looking for a cordless phone:
? frequency - related to range and security

? analog vs. digital - related to clear sound and security (DSS is the most secure! )
? convenience features and options - what you want in a phone to make it easy to use
or to fit your individual needs
Choose from the map below:
When You Shop

We've created a Cordless Telephone Feature Comparison chart for you to use as you
research various models. Take it to the store with you and fill in the blanks for each model you
are interested in. You may also want to keep an additional copy near your desk as you
research models on the Internet.
The feature comparison chart is available to you as a PDF. You will need the free Adobe
Acrobat Reader to view it.
? Download the comparison chart!
Look Out!
When buying a cordless telephone, there are several things you should keep in mind to avoid
buying one that won't meet all your needs. Here are some of the most important things to
think about:
Security, security, security!

Because your cordless phone is a radio transmitter, it broadcasts signals over the open
airways rather than specifically between the base and handset. Therefore, it is possible for
other people to listen to your phone conversation by using a radio scanner. Digital phones are
better than analog phones in this area, but DSS offers the best protection against
eavesdropping. Low-end 43-50 MHz and 900 MHz analog phones are not secure. In fact,
most baby monitors can pick up phone conversations from 43-50 MHz cordless phones. 2.4
GHz analog phones are rare (most 2.4 GHz phones are digital), but offer some degree of
protection because most commercially available radio scanners do not extend into this radio
frequency.
Many cordless phone conversations can be easily picked up

by radio scanners
If your cordless phone does not have DSS, then your conversation is about as private as the
writing on the back of a postcard. Use care when divulging private information over a cordless
phone.
Think about the type of battery in your cordless phone!

hydride, lithium). Nickel-cadmium batteries are subject to a memory effect, so it is best to let
them drain entirely before recharging them on the base. Nickel-metal hydride and lithium
batteries have no memory effect.
Where to Buy
Popular Cordless Telephones
Here are 10 of the best-selling cordless telephone models listed for comparison.
VTech 2431 2.4GHz Dual Uniden EXAI7980 Cordless

Keypad Speakerphone Phone and Answering System
Memorex MPH6995 Cordless

Uniden EXP7900 900-MHz
900MHz Phone with Digital
Analog Cordless Phone
Answer Machine/Caller ID
Uniden EXS9966 900-MHz

VTech VT-2960 900 MHz 2-Line Digital Spread Spectrum 2-line
Digital Answering Device Cordless Phone with Caller
ID/Waiting
Uniden EXI7960 900 MHz

Memorex MPH6928 900 MHz
Cordless Telephone with Caller
Cordless Phone w/Caller ID
ID
AT&T 9355 900 MHz Analog

Panasonic KXTC1501B 900
Cordless Phone with Talking
MHz Phone with Digital
Caller ID and Digital Answering
Answering Machine
Machine
Manufacturers
? AT&T
? GE
? Panasonic
? Radio Shack
? Sanyo
? Siemens
? Sony
? Toshiba
? Uniden
? VTech
FAQ
? In the age of cellular phones, why should I buy a cordless phone?
It is true that cell phones offer greater mobility than cordless phones, but cordless
phones can give you communication freedom to move around your house or
neighborhood at a much cheaper cost. Cell phone service is much more expensive than
the basic telephone service used by your cordless phone. In addition, you do not have
to purchase a separate plan to use a cordless phone as you do with a cell phone.
? Is it difficult to set up a cordless phone?

No, it's so simple! Here's how you set it up:
? Insert the small end jack of the power cube transformer into the 9-volt DC jack of
the phone.
? Insert the plug portion of the cube into the wall's electrical outlet.
? Insert one end of the phone cord into the phone jack of the phone.
? Insert the other end of the phone cord into the phone jack outlet on the wall.
Lift up the handset, turn it on and you should hear a dial tone. You're ready to go!
? Is my cordless phone secure from eavesdroppers?

Because your cordless phone is a radio transmitter, it broadcasts signals over the open
airways rather than specifically between the base and handset. Therefore, it is possible
for other people to listen to your phone conversation by using a radio scanner. Digital
phones are better than analog phones when it comes to security, and DSS offers the
best protection. Low-end 43-50 MHz and 900 MHz analog phones are not secure. 2.4
GHz analog phones are rare (most 2.4 GHz phones are digital), but offer some degree
of protection because most commercially available radio scanners do not extend into
this radio frequency.
? What is the best frequency for a cordless phone?

Cordless phones operate over three major frequency bands:
? 43-50 MHz
? 900 MHz
? 2.4 GHz
43-50 MHz band phones have short ranges (about 1,000 ft or 300 m) and poorer sound
quality (due to interference from structures and appliances). The 43 -50 MHz phone
signals can also be picked up easily on radio scanners and nearby baby monitors.
The 900 MHz band provides a greater range (5000 to 7000 ft / 1500 to 2100 m), better
sound quality and has more channels. However, 900-MHz signals can be picked up by
most commercially available radio scanners.
A 2.4 GHz cordless phone can operate over a greater distance and is above the
frequencies that can be picked up by most commercially available radio scanners; so it
is more secure than lower frequency models. A 2.4-GHz cordless phone will be more
expensive than lower frequency phones.
Higher frequencies will provide greater range to your phone and offer more channels for
your phone to use.
? What's the difference between analog and digital?

Analog signals tend to be more noisy, or prone to interference with respect to sound
quality. In addition, analog signals are easily picked up and interpreted by radio scanner.
Digital technology allows the phone signals to sound clearer and are more secure.
DSS digital technology spreads the digital information in pieces over several frequencies
between the receiver and the base, thereby making it almost impossible to eavesdrop
on the cordless phone conversations. A cordless phone with DSS is the most secure.
? How many channels should I have in my cordless phone?

Each frequency band (43 -50 MHz, 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz) can be subdivided into different
increments or channels. The base searches for a pair of frequencies (channels) within
that band range that is not already in use in order to talk to the handset. So, if the base
is capable of searching more increments, it can more easily find a frequency pair that is
clear from interference. The number of cordless phone channels can vary:
? 10 to 25 channels - 43-50 MHz phones, some inexpensive 900 MHz phones
? 20 to 60 channels - most 900 MHz phones
? 50 to 100 channels - high-end 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz phones
? How far can my cordless phone handset be away from its base unit and still
work?
The range of your cordless phone's handset depends upon its radio frequency, the type
of signal (analog or digital) and the presence of interference. Generally, the higher
frequencies will have more power to transmit and receive, and so will have a greater
range. Digital phones will have clearer sounds over the same distances than analog
phones. Interference from structures, appliances or other electronic equipment will affect
the range. Under ideal conditions, you can expect the following ranges:
? 43-50 MHz - about 1,000 ft / 330 m
? 900 MHz - 5,000 - 7,000 ft / 1,500 - 2,100 m
? 2.4 GHz - better range than 900 MHz, but exactly how much better is not certain
yet
If you use your cordless phone frequently when you are outside or taking a walk around
the neighborhood, you may want to consider one with an alarm or indicator that tells you
when you are out of the base unit's range.
? What type of battery is best for my cordless phone?

Nickel-cadmium batteries are subject to a memory effect, so it is best to let them drain
entirely before recharging them on the base; nickel-metal hydride and lithium batteries
have no memory effect.
? Can I operate my cordless phone if I lose my handset?

This depends upon whether your base unit has a keypad and speaker phone built into it.
The built-in keypad in the base allows you to dial from the base to make a call even if
you do not have the handset nearby. It is almost always found in combination with a
speaker phone on the base. This feature keeps the phone usable when you have
temporarily lost the handset.
? Can I have caller ID on my cordless phone?

Yes, you can have caller ID on some models of cordless phones. The caller's number is
displayed on the LCD of the handset and/or base unit. However, you must have the
caller ID feature provided by your telephone company for this feature to work on your
cordless phone. There is usually an extra charge for this service on your monthly phone
bill.
Some cordless phones can also have call-waiting or multiple line services, but your
telephone company must set your house up with these services. Again, there are extra
charges on your monthly bill for these services.
? Can I mount my cordless phone base on a wall?

The base units of many cordless phones can be mounted on a wall so that they do not
take up desk, table or counter space. This feature also has the advantage of keeping
your base unit out of reach of small children (my son can reach the base unit of my
cordless phone and his favorite activity is dialing numbers when we are not looking).
Cool Facts
? Your cordless phone is a radio transmitter and receiver!
? Most baby monitors and walkie -talkies can pick up phone conversations from 43-50
MHz cordless phones.
? Digital spread spectrum (DSS) was invented by actress Hedy Lamarr.
? Cordless phone components are getting smaller, which means that more and more
functions can be placed in phones without making them any bigger.
? Memory chips, instead of cassette tapes, are now being used on cordless phone
answering machines.
Lots More Information!

Related How Stuff Works Articles
? How Telephones Work

? What does 900 MHz mean in a cordless phone?
? What is digital spread spectrum as used in cordless telephones?
? How Radio Scanners Work
? How Radio Works
? How Cell Phones Work
Buyer's Guides
? Deja.com: Cordless Phones: Buyer's Guide

? Amazon.com: Cordless Phones: Buyer's Guide
? Active Buyers Guide
Reference
? Cordless Telephone History

? Epinions: What does the difference in frequency mean to the cordless phone buyer?
? ConsumerReview.com
? ConsumerSearch.com
? 1995 FCC Report: New Cordless Phone Frequencies
? Cordless Phone Digital Security
? Cordless Phone Spread Spectrum
? 1993: High-power digital AT&T cordless phone has one-mile range
? Court case: recording of the cordless telephone conversation
? Can other people listen to my cordless and cellular phone conversations?
? Cordless Telephone Frequencies
? Cordless Modem
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How Cordless Telephones Work

Cordless telephones are one of those minor miracles of modern life --

Cordless phones have many of the same features as standard

A Brief History of Cordless Telephones

Anatomy of a Cordless Telephone

GE cordless phone, including handset and base unit

Base unit components

phone (if present)

Circuit board in the base of the GE cordless phone

Phone Line Interface

Block diagram of handset components

When you open up the handset, you see these components:

? send and receive FM radio frequencies

? LCD or LED displays - indicator lights

Parts of the GE cordless phone's handset, showing the fronts

of the circuit boards

Parts of the GE cordless phone's handset, showing the backs of

Close -up view of the speaker in the GE cordless telephone

Close-up of the speaker with the top removed

Close-up of the speaker with the plastic membrane and

Close-up of the speaker's plastic membrane with attached

To hear sounds, the following events happen:

1. Electrical signals come from the radio components.

Close-up of handset's keypad circuit board with attached

Remember that the base and handset operate on a duplex

LED indicator light on the handset of the GE cordless phone

In summary, a cordless phone is basically a combination of a telephone and an FM radio

Many cordless phone conversations can be easily picked up

? major features of the phone - range, sound quality, security

? convenience features of the phone - ease of use

Analog vs. Digital

? 10 to 25 channels - 43-50 MHz phones, some inexpensive 900 MHz phones

Photo of a cordless phone base unit with keypad and speaker

Extra Battery Charger

Remember that these price ranges will change as technology improves.

? frequency - related to range and security

Choose from the map below:

When You Shop

? Download the comparison chart!

Security, security, security!

Many cordless phone conversations can be easily picked up

Think about the type of battery in your cordless phone!

VTech 2431 2.4GHz Dual Uniden EXAI7980 Cordless

Memorex MPH6995 Cordless

Uniden EXS9966 900-MHz

Uniden EXI7960 900 MHz

AT&T 9355 900 MHz Analog

? Is it difficult to set up a cordless phone?

? Is my cordless phone secure from eavesdroppers?

? What is the best frequency for a cordless phone?

? What's the difference between analog and digital?

? How many channels should I have in my cordless phone?

? 20 to 60 channels - most 900 MHz phones

? 50 to 100 channels - high-end 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz phones

? 900 MHz - 5,000 - 7,000 ft / 1,500 - 2,100 m